Thank You!

Send Flowers

Memories & Candles

“I would like to say you were an awesome man/ coach !!!! I really enjoy being a part of your loving family and always will i still cant believe you...Read More »
”
1 of 51 | Posted by: Sennecca Kornegay (Apple Tilley) - NC

“RIP Tilley. We all had such great conversations over at my Moms house concerning Duke vs Carolina, among many other subjects. We will surely miss you...Read More »
”
2 of 51 | Posted by: The Massey Family - Mount Olive, NC

“Thinking of you, missing you.
”
3 of 51 | Posted by: Belinda

“I just found out about Randy's passing. I am truly sorry and my prayers are extended to his family. I wanted to share an experience I had with...Read More »
”
4 of 51 | Posted by: Randy Yates - Sanford, NC

“I watch high school games here in New Hanover County and always talk about how great these teams could be if they had a coach like Coach Tilley. He...Read More »
”
5 of 51 | Posted by: Scott Coonradt - Wilmington, NC

“Coach Tilley was to Southern Wayne Basketball what Dean Smith was to Carolina or what Coach K was to Duke. He was simply Coach Tilley. I loved to...Read More »
”
6 of 51 | Posted by: Billy Williams - Goldsboro, NC

“I coached basketball with Randy at Southern Wayne High in the early 90's. Randy not only knew the game but, was an excellent teacher of the the game ...Read More »
”
8 of 51 | Posted by: Tony Marshburn - Jacksonville, NC

“Growing up, I had no better friend than Randy Tilley. After college, our paths crossed again and our friendship continued as we coached against each...Read More »
”
9 of 51 | Posted by: Art Paschal - Winston-Salem, NC

“Rest in Peace Randy. It has been years since we have seen Randy but I have great memories of being with him both on and off the court. Our thoughts...Read More »
”
10 of 51 | Posted by: Stewart & Joan Bray - Greenville, NC

“Dear Peggy and Family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers ane with you now and in the future.May God give you peace and...Read More »
”
13 of 51 | Posted by: Linda and Buddy Walker - NC

“May you rest in peace Coach Tilley. I will always remember you. You were one of the best coaches that Grantham School ever had. May God Bless the...Read More »
”
14 of 51 | Posted by: Jane Massengill Hurst - Lumberton, NC

“Please accept our heartfelt sympathy in the loss of Randy. We haven't seen Randy in years but both knew him in high school and even went to see him...Read More »
”
15 of 51 | Posted by: Doug and Cheri Getsinger - NC

“In the three years I was in the county at a rival school, no coach was better in the gym. When our paths crossed years later, no time was lost with...Read More »
”
16 of 51 | Posted by: Tasker Fleming - Albemarle, NC

“I have a lot great childhood memories of Randy and was truly saddened to hear of his passing. Thanks Randy for all the basketball instructions,...Read More »
”
17 of 51 | Posted by: Chan Campbell - Sanford, NC

“I'm deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of Coach Tilley. I can remember him coming to the Boys' club & giving clinics on how to jumpshoot. I...Read More »
”
18 of 51 | Posted by: Larry Williams - Birmingham, AL

“To the Tilley family: So sorry to hear of Randy's passing. We played basketball at GHS and even though he was 2 years older than me he was always a...Read More »
”
19 of 51 | Posted by: Stuart Stout - Matthews, NC

“Coach Tilley was a wonderful Physical Education teacher and Coach at Grantham Middle School. He use to joke with me about my curly hair and said we...Read More »
”
20 of 51 | Posted by: Shelia Westbrook Hodges - Raleigh, NC

“To the Tilley family: May God comfort you in your loss. Coach was the consummate professional who bestowed trust and confidence in all his former...Read More »
”
21 of 51 | Posted by: Thomas Oates - El Paso, TX

“Belinda and family,
I had the pleasure of keeping the stats for Coach Tilley for several years. I am so saddened to hear of his passing. I will...Read More »
”
22 of 51 | Posted by: Amy VanVoltenburg Harper - NC

“When I was a member of Freedom Baptist Church I worked in the Awana program in Sparks. We had both Adam and Grayson in the class and we loved those...Read More »
”
23 of 51 | Posted by: Roberta Banta - Goldsboro, NC

“Back in the late 70's I had the honor to play as a teeenager under Coach Tilley at Grantham Junior Hign. I enjoyed every minute I had on the field...Read More »
”
25 of 51 | Posted by: Neal Price - Pikeville, NC

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be...Read More »
”
26 of 51 | Posted by: Vonnell Robinson - Dudley, NC

“So Sorry to hear about Coach tilley!!!! Belinda you and the boys will be in my prayers!!!
”
27 of 51 | Posted by: kristy mason - goldsboro, NC

“I have fond memories of going to high school with Randy and what a great person he was. I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you all in my...Read More »
”
28 of 51 | Posted by: Rhonda Wiliford Davis - Raleigh, NC

“coach tilley was a awesome coach ill miss him alot and so will his family if any of the family need anything dont hesitate to ask and ill do it...Read More »
”
29 of 51 | Posted by: Allen Rouse - mount olive, NC

“Coach Tilley,To the man that always got the most out of his players. I am indeed grateful for your coaching and discipline you instilled in all of...Read More »
”
30 of 51 | Posted by: Deshaun Barfield - Charlotte, NC

“My prayers goes out to the Tilley family for their loss. I remember him as an outstanding coach at Southern Wayne High School during the late 80's....Read More »
”
31 of 51 | Posted by: Toni Chavis - Florence, SC - none

“I am so sorry for your loss. I haven't seen Randy in a long time but we shared many Sundays at our Grandmother's in Kernersville, NC. Praying for...Read More »
”
32 of 51 | Posted by: Diane Tilley Jones - Bradenton, FL

“Belinda, I am so sorry for your loss. Randy and I worked together many years at Southern Wayne. I have you and your family in my thoughts and...Read More »
”
33 of 51 | Posted by: Wanda Lewis - Dudley, NC

“Belinda and family. so sorry to hear of your loss I met yall when Wesley attended the daycare where I worked I remember how much fun Coach Tilley was...Read More »
”
34 of 51 | Posted by: Susan Pearsall - Mt Olive, NC

“Randy, I know we had our differences ,a lot here at the end but there was never any doubt that you ,the best older brother ever , and the one that...Read More »
”
35 of 51 | Posted by: Sharon Tilley - GOLDSBORO, NC

“God I pray you will wrap your arms around this precious family and give the the comfort and peace they need at this sad time. You are our only...Read More »
”
36 of 51 | Posted by: Pam Pennington Sellers - Selma, NC

“Words cannot express the great lost of a Great Coach. We lost contact after so many years, but reconnected through a team he wanted my son to play on...Read More »
”
38 of 51 | Posted by: Clara Jackson-COley - Goldsboro, NC

“Randy and mine's friendship goes back as far as I can remember. Our families shared a lot of great times growing up. My thoughts and prayer go out to...Read More »
”
39 of 51 | Posted by: Jim Westmoreland - Simpsonville, SC

“I was so sad to hear that Coch Tilley had passed. He was the one of the best coaches in Wayne County and he will be remembered by Southern Wayne...Read More »
”
40 of 51 | Posted by: Tameka Lee - Dudley, NC

“I have known Randy and the Tilley family for as long as I can remember. Our families lived beside each other in apartments in Burlington, NC. We...Read More »
”
41 of 51 | Posted by: Lynne Westmoreland Murrell - SC

“To the Tilley Family,
You are in my prayers and know that I love you guys alot.
Mrs.Winn
”
43 of 51 | Posted by: Sheila Winn - High Point, NC

“I received a call today from my high school friend and former teammate that Coach had passed away. A very sad day. I remember that Coach Tilley was...Read More »
”
44 of 51 | Posted by: Dan (Danny) McArthur - Charlotte, NC

“When I think back on all of the great memories at SWHS, those memories would not be complete without you. You were a mentor, friend, and source of...Read More »
”
45 of 51 | Posted by: Starrlyn J. McMillan - NC

“Thanks for all the motivation and passion you passed on to me during my time at SWHS. You are the only other person I knew who had a temper like my...Read More »
”
46 of 51 | Posted by: Beth Rivenbark

“DEAR FAMILY, FOR THOSE OF US WHO KNEW RANDY, WE ALL APPRECIATE HIS DEDICATION TO THE STUDENTS IN WAYNE CO . WHO HE TAUGHT AND COACHED. HE WILL NOT BE...Read More »
”
48 of 51 | Posted by: barbara smith herring and steve

“My husband, Troy Lee had known Randy for many years. We would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to each of you. May God bless each of you.
”
50 of 51 | Posted by: ruth worrell lee and husband Troy - NC

Wesley Randall Tilley, 57, known to all as CoachRandyTilley, passed away on Thursday, November 15.

A Service to Celebrate his life will be at 6 p.m. on Monday, November 19, at Unity Baptist Church, 489 N.C. Hwy. 55 East, Mount Olive, and will be conducted by Pastor Ronnie Wise, with visitation afterward. CoachTilley will be buried on Tuesday, November 20, at 11 a.m. in Maplewood Cemetery in Mount Olive. Friends and family are being received at the residence, 312 West College Street in Mount Olive.

CoachTilley had an astute knowledge of the game of basketball and had excelled locally as a coach of the game. His coaching career began at Wayne County Day School, and during his ensuing career, while serving at various institutions, both on the high school and collegiate levels, his longest tenure of service was at Southern Wayne High School and Goldsboro High.

He is survived by four sons, Wesley Tilley, Jr., Adam Tilley, and Grayson Tilley, and their mother, Belinda Herring Tilley, all of the home in Mount Olive, and Ross Tilley, and wife, Rachel, and their son, Hudson, of Florida; a daughter, Ashlyn Tilley of West End; his mother, Peggy Hunt Tilley of Goldsboro; two sisters, Sandra Peele and Sharon Tilley, both of Goldsboro; and a brother, Jeff Tilley of Florida. Coach Tilley's father, Wesley A. Tilley, preceded him in death.

Photo Albums

DVD

Memories & Candles

I would like to say you were an awesome man/ coach !!!! I really enjoy being a part of your loving family and always will i still cant believe you are gone but i will never forget all the great times we had together with the boys i was really thrilled when you all gave me another name (APPLE TILLEY) now I blend just right i wouldnt change it for the world and to the rest of my Tilley family

... more

I would like to say you were an awesome man/ coach !!!! I really enjoy being a part of your loving family and always will i still cant believe you are gone but i will never forget all the great times we had together with the boys i was really thrilled when you all gave me another name (APPLE TILLEY) now I blend just right i wouldnt change it for the world and to the rest of my Tilley family you know that I do and will allways love you bigger than the sky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! May God be with us for the rest of our days!!!

RIP Tilley. We all had such great conversations over at my Moms house concerning Duke vs Carolina, among many other subjects. We will surely miss you coming over to our family gatherings to sit around and talk. You were a really great basketball coach and knew the game well.

The Massey, Hester and Waters Families

Posted by: The Massey Family - Mount Olive, NC - friend Nov 28, 2012

Thinking of you, missing you.

Posted by: Belinda Nov 26, 2012

I just found out about Randy's passing. I am truly sorry and my prayers are extended to his family. I wanted to share an experience I had with Randy on one of the last times I saw him. I also coached and worked basketball camps in the summer every year. I had knee surgery and couldnt drive, so I couldn't get to the coaching clinic in Greensboro. Randy called me and came by my home and picked me up and

... more

I just found out about Randy's passing. I am truly sorry and my prayers are extended to his family. I wanted to share an experience I had with Randy on one of the last times I saw him. I also coached and worked basketball camps in the summer every year. I had knee surgery and couldnt drive, so I couldn't get to the coaching clinic in Greensboro. Randy called me and came by my home and picked me up and took me to the clinic. I stayed with him and Art Paschal and Mark Carter. We had a great time and I never missed a clinic. He went out of his way to help when things were down for me. That's what a true friend will do. I wanted to share this to let his family know that the things he did, he did out of Love and I know he shared the same love of Basketball I did. God bless you in these difficult days.

Posted by: Randy Yates - Sanford, NC - Friend Nov 26, 2012

I watch high school games here in New Hanover County and always talk about how great these teams could be if they had a coach like Coach Tilley. He could take any team, big or small, and have those kids prepared to win! If I had one wish, I wish he would have been at SW longer after I graduated because it was not the same without him and I lost that connection. I miss you Coach, rest in peace. Class of '96

Coach Tilley was to Southern Wayne Basketball what Dean Smith was to Carolina or what Coach K was to Duke. He was simply Coach Tilley. I loved to watch his teams play with a passion that was shared by Coach. We will all miss him for sure.

Posted by: Billy Williams - Goldsboro, NC Nov 22, 2012

You will be missed

Posted by: Ebonni - Goldsboro, NC - student Nov 22, 2012

I coached basketball with Randy at Southern Wayne High in the early 90's. Randy not only knew the game but, was an excellent teacher of the the game . Randy helped so many kids at Southern Wayne in so many ways. We remained friends through the years, each summer working Carolina basketball camp together. He was a true friend that would do anything to help anybody. Randy will be missed the many people that knew him. Belinda, Wesley, Grayson, and Adam, may God comfort each one of you during this difficult time. Take care and God Bless.

Posted by: Tony Marshburn - Jacksonville, NC - Friend Nov 21, 2012

Growing up, I had no better friend than Randy Tilley. After college, our paths crossed again and our friendship continued as we coached against each other in the old Mideastern 4A. Although I have only seen Randy a couple of times in the last 20 years, I choose to remember him for the many, many great times we had together. I pray that Belinda and the kids are comforted by the love and compassion they've experienced during this difficult time. Rest in Peace, Tilley!

Posted by: Art Paschal - Winston-Salem, NC - friend Nov 21, 2012

Rest in Peace Randy. It has been years since we have seen Randy but I have great memories of being with him both on and off the court. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs.Tilley and his entire family.

Share A Story

Life Stories provides friends and families a forum to post their favorite stories and memories of Coach Randy Tilley ensuring the precious experiences are never forgotten. Share joyful times, post a photo that captures the moments you cherish, and allow others to reply, relive and remember.